Apparatus and methods for splicing slivers of yarn during yarn formation and processing

摘要

An apparatus and methods are provided for splicing selected portions of sliver such as during yarn formation and processing. The apparatus preferably includes a needle carrying member having a plurality of needles to engage sliver when positioned adjacent thereto and a needle engaging member positioned to underlie the needle carrying member and to receive the plurality of needles from the first needle carrying member. The apparatus also preferably includes a hand-activated needle actuation device connected to the needle carrying member and the needle engaging member to position the needle carrying member in an open position to allow sliver to be spliced to be readily positioned therebetween and responsive to closing at least portions of the hand of a user for actuating the engaging of the needle carrying member with the sliver and the needle engaging member so that the engaging of plurality of needles of the needle carrying member with the needle engaging member thereby defines a closed position.